NEWCASTLE United star Titus Bramble and Chelsea striker Carlton Cole will not face charges over an alleged "gang rape" of a 17-year-old girl, it was announced last night.

The attack was alleged to have taken place in September at the Grosvenor House Hotel in central London.

Scotland Yard launched an investigation and interviewed Magpies defender Bramble, 22, and Cole, 19, who is on loan to Charlton Athletic.

Police also questioned two other men - party organiser Nicholas Meikle, 29, and his friend Jason Edwards, 26.

But last night Crown Prosecution Service lawyer Claire Ward, a specialist rape prosecutor, said: "We have now carefully reviewed all the evidence in the case in accordance with the code for Crown prosecutors and have concluded that there is insufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction against any of the four suspects for any offence."

The CPS said its advice was passed to police yesterday evening, who informed the complainant and suspects' solicitors of the decision.

A CPS statement said: "The CPS remains fully committed to prosecuting rape cases wherever there is sufficient evidence and to working closely with police and other organisations to give the best possible service to victims."

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "The four men arrested during the course of this investigation will face no further action by police."

Max Clifford, spokesman for the teenager, said last night: "I have just spoken to the girl and her father and they are both devastated. She is distraught."

Neither Bramble nor Cole was available for comment.